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Bupivacaine shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Bupivacaine products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 14 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Nov 30, 2026.
In shortage since
Jan 31, 2018
Est. full return
Nov 30, 2026
Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can often substitute another manufacturer's version, a different strength, or (in most provinces) adapt or renew a prescription on the spot. Your free provincial health line is 811.
Reports by product
Active shortageBUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02512424 · since Jun 22, 2026, est. end Nov 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageMARCAINE
5.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241919 · since Feb 21, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageMARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241918 · since Mar 30, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageMARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241918 · since Mar 20, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageMARCAINE
5.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02241919 · since Jan 9, 2019, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageMARCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02305895 · since Jan 31, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
To be discontinuedBUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02460645
ResolvedBUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
7.5MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02512424 · ended Sep 11, 2025 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedBUPIVACAINE INJECTION BP
2.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02443686 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedSENSORCAINE
5MG · SOLUTION · ASPEN PHARMACARE CANADA INC.
DIN 01976168 · ended Oct 25, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedSENSORCAINE
2.5MG · SOLUTION · ASPEN PHARMACARE CANADA INC.
DIN 01976141 · ended Oct 25, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedBUPIVACAINE INJECTION BP
2.5MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02443686 · ended Sep 2, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 54 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Bupivacaine is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, PFIZER CANADA INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Bupivacaine is classified under “ANESTHETICS, LOCAL” (ATC N01BB).
Recent changes
Common questions
When will Bupivacaine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Nov 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Bupivacaine in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
All anesthetics, local shortage statuses →
Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.